Hot Dog
A quintessential American classic. A juicy, grilled or boiled frankfurter tucked into a soft, steamed bun, ready for your favorite toppings. Perfect for barbecues, game days, or a quick and easy meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 7 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Toppings
- b.Finely chop the white onion if using.
- c.Set out your mustard, ketchup, and relish so they are ready for easy assembly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Hot Dogs (Choose a Method)
- b.Boiling: Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Carefully add the hot dogs, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 4-6 minutes until plump and heated through.
- c.Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place hot dogs on the grates and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until you have nice char marks.
- d.Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the hot dogs and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning regularly until browned on all sides.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Warm the Buns
- b.While the hot dogs are cooking, warm the buns.
- c.Grill/Toast: Place buns cut-side down on the grill or in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted.
- d.Steam: Place buns in a colander over the boiling water for 1 minute until soft and warm.
- e.Microwave: Wrap buns in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Carefully place one cooked hot dog into each warm bun.
- c.Apply your desired toppings. A classic order is wet condiments (mustard, ketchup) first, followed by chunky toppings (relish, onion).
- d.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor when grilling, lightly score the hot dogs diagonally before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and creates more surface area for char.
- 2Don't pierce the hot dogs with a fork while cooking, as this lets the flavorful juices escape. Use tongs to turn them.
- 3Toasting the buns is a game-changer. It adds a slight crunch and prevents them from getting soggy from the toppings.
- 4For a crowd, set up a 'hot dog bar' with various toppings like chili, cheese sauce, sauerkraut, and jalapeños for guests to customize their own.
- 5Experiment with different buns like brioche, potato rolls, or poppy seed buns for a different texture and flavor experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicago-Style Dog
Use a poppy seed bun and top with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Never ketchup!
Chili Cheese DogChili Cheese Dog
A hearty variation topped with a generous spoonful of beef chili (with or without beans), a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped onions.
New York Style DogNew York-Style Dog
Keep it simple and classic with a topping of spicy brown mustard and either sauerkraut or sweet-stewed onions in a tomato-based sauce.
Bacon Wrapped DogBacon-Wrapped Dog
Wrap the uncooked frank in a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks. Pan-fry or grill until the bacon is crisp and the hot dog is cooked through. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
Hot dogs, particularly those made from beef or pork, provide a source of protein, which is an essential macronutrient for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Quick Energy Boost
The combination of protein from the frankfurter and carbohydrates from the bun provides a quick and convenient source of energy, making it a popular choice for a fast meal or snack.
Contains Iron and B Vitamins
Beef franks are a source of essential nutrients like iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and energy production.
Frequently asked questions
A standard beef hot dog with a bun, mustard, ketchup, and relish contains approximately 300-350 calories. This can vary significantly based on the type of frank, bun, and the amount and type of toppings used.